Los Angeles, California:The Israeli-American Civic Action Network applauds the City of Los Angeles for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism. The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism through a resolution authored by Councilmember Paul Koretz and seconded by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield at the regularly scheduled November 1st, 2022, council meeting.

Adoption of the definition follows a series of high-profile antisemitic incidents in the Los Angeles area, including remarks from Kanye West, antisemitic banners unfurled over the 405 freeway, and some Los Angeles City Councilmembers caught on tape making derogatory comments about the Jewish community.

Adoption of the definition follows a series of high-profile antisemitic incidents in the Los Angeles area, including remarks from Kanye West, antisemitic banners unfurled over the 405 freeway, and some Los Angeles City Councilmembers caught on tape making derogatory comments about the Jewish community.

“In Los Angeles, we can do better when it comes to confronting the many manifestations of antisemitism that we’re seeing impact our Jewish communities,” said Dillon Hosier, CEO of the Israeli-American Civic Action Network. “That’s why we applaud Councilmember Koretz’s leadership to have L.A. adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism so that all Angelenos can be more aware of the many ways that hatred is expressed towards Jews and work together to make it stop.”

ICAN worked closely with the office of Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz on this initiative.

“As the son of a Holocaust survivor who has made ‘never forget’ central to my personal mission to lead with compassion and treat all others with dignity, I am incredibly dismayed that growing discrimination and hateful propaganda against Jews is rearing its ugly head in today’s day and age. But the color of antisemitism is not always overt, and doesn’t, necessarily resemble the antisemitism that my father experienced, yet. Today’s resolution is a guiding tool to apply to existing rules and laws where antisemitism may be involved. For the first time, having this working definition provides a tool to educate, identify and combat the language and behavior that leads to violence and has been swept under the rug for far too long,” said Paul Koretz, Los Angeles City Councilmember.

According to data from the Combating Antisemitism Movement, over fifty U.S. county and city governments have adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, with Los Angeles being the largest city to do so.

The Israeli-American Civic Action Network is dedicated to empowering Israeli immigrants and American allies to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S. – Israel alliance through advocacy education and civic action. Learn more at IsraelUSA.org.